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AN EVENING OF CELEBRATION AT THE 90TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER

Last updated on Wednesday, 17 October 2018 08:20

On the 08 October 2018 the historic House of Lords, Westminster, London played host to the Association of International Accountants (AIA) 90th Anniversary Dinner celebration. Over 120 guests from the world of finance and accounting attended the celebrations which took place in the Cholmondeley Room and Terrace; a location which provided guests with stunning views of the River Thames and London Millennium Eye.

Lord Beecham, Shadow Justice Minister in the House of Lords kindly agreed to host the 90th Anniversary Dinner, opening proceedings on the evening with a congratulatory message for the AIA.

The evening was truly one of celebration marking the association’s historic 90th birthday as well as the continued growth and success which the AIA has achieved globally to date in 2018.

It was a pleasure to welcome several guests of honour on the evening, including Madam Liu Hongwei, CACFO President; Mr Ma Yuping, Chairman, Fengyang Fund; and Mr Zhu Danian, Century Dingli Chairman and Metro Education Director. The presence of such distinguished guests is testimony to the role that International Accountants play globally.

The evening proceedings were closed by AIA President, Les Bradley. Within his closing remarks, Les commented: “It all began in 1928 as AIA pushed the boundaries of the accountancy profession and established one of the first global accountancy bodies, which quickly expanded across the world with British trade.

“At the time in the early twentieth century, AIA was the only international accountancy body providing a professional qualification, that encompassed accountants all over the world. The AIA aimed to create an organisation that would work on both a national and international scale, which would secure a recognised professional status for accountants.

“Much has changed over the intervening 90 years, but our ethos and values have remained steadfast throughout. AIA’s original mission in 1928 still remains true today; to create world class accountants.”

He added: “Since taking on the role of AIA President 5 years ago it never ceases to amaze me how the AIA can continually adapt to be at the forefront of an ever-changing landscape within the finance and accountancy sectors. All the while proudly maintaining its rich heritage and values.

“I have personally been a member of the AIA for over 40 years, throughout my career in fact, and I am proud to belong to, and now represent, such a forward thinking and diverse organisation.”

Philip Turnbull, AIA Chief Executive, added: "Thank you to our guests of honour, council members and guests, as well as the AIA team for making this a truly memorable evening.

“A special thank you must also go to our 90th Anniversary year sponsors; Metro Education, Beijing HuaBao WeiYe Management Consulting, CSKM Global Education Group, Parkers Accountants and Shahram Moallemi & Co. Without their loyal support such celebratory events would not be possible.

“2018 has been quite an unforgettable year for the AIA. Thank you to everyone who has made the AIA what it is today.”